Chapter Fifty-Four: Futile Display Before the Withdrawn Youth

How fortunate. Luckily, he had restrained himself earlier and hadn’t foolishly pushed Jiang Huan. Now, things had turned out well—the wall stood firm, and she was determined to build her own faction. This building would surely become prime real estate in the future, and he was resolved to support this “wall” through the damned apocalypse.

It had to be said, given her previous displays, Jiang Huan’s words carried significant weight. As soon as she began recruiting, everyone who considered themselves qualified—those eager to join as well as those hoping to muddle through—crowded outside Teacher Li’s door.

Teacher Li exhaled slowly as he read Jiang Huan’s private message, asking him to be strict with the selection and promising generous payment. This was quite the business deal. But among those people outside, there were bound to be some who’d try to plead with him.

“Teacher, don’t go soft,” Xiao Yi had already started cross-referencing data for key words and was hand-recording those who were absolutely unqualified.

Observing his student, Professor Li simply sat down as well and sent a message to the group: in half an hour, he would inform the qualified candidates one by one, and everyone should go pack up in the meantime.

The two of them worked together, combing through the backend data, and finally came up with results—nineteen people had previously defended Jiang Huan, and about twenty had never spoken ill of her and had shown genuine concern for her well-being.

All these names were sent to Jiang Huan and announced to the group. Naturally, those who learned they had made the cut were overjoyed on the spot, immediately fetching their signed forms to register with Wu Gang.

Anyone who objected or tried to plead with her was simply ignored. Instead, Jiang Huan brought over fine wine and a stack of flatbreads to Professor Li, asking him to set up a group chat exclusively for Building Six.

Professor Li, unable to move the installed equipment, didn’t relocate but still joined the Building Six group, enjoying what Jiang Huan called special treatment for talents.

Wu Gang made no negative comments; Jiang Huan simply wanted compatible people living together, with no intention of seizing power. Even if she did, Wu Gang’s own status wouldn’t be affected, so the arrangements proceeded swiftly.

Soon, there were hardly any empty rooms left below the fifteenth floor of Jiang Huan’s building.

The whole building was abuzz with excitement: bonfires, visiting neighbors, and the Liu Ling, Wang Ping, and Jiang siblings from upstairs brought down plenty of supplies, inviting everyone to a group dinner that evening.

Apartment 1501 on the fifteenth floor, previously unsuitable for storage, had conveniently been cleared out to serve as a dining hall. Fresh vegetables were too precious to bring out, but there was no shortage of frozen goods, barbecue, and hotpot. The white rice gleamed, and all fifty or so residents of the building took plates and ate until their mouths were slick with oil.

After a hearty meal, they returned to rest, their bodies warmed. What a day of twists and turns it had been.

While everyone else was in high spirits, Jiang Huan stood lost in thought by the window, gazing at the sky outside.

At this very time in her last life, her brother had suffered… The bandits’ intrusion into the community this time reminded her keenly of the perils of living alone, which was why she’d made the unusual decision to recruit people.

“Big sis? What are you looking at?” came Jiang Xi’s voice.

Jiang Huan had been standing by the window for quite some time. “Ah, nothing. Did you finish your illustration analysis?”

“Yes, I did. I’m about to turn it in to the teacher.” Since the apocalypse began, her brother had actually spoken more fluently.

The shadow of their previous life would not be dispelled so quickly, but at least she could start preparing in advance for the challenges ahead.

Thinking of a certain resource that had helped them survive for a while but had yet to appear, Jiang Huan couldn’t help but wonder—did such things only exist where she settled?

In her past life, she’d occasionally spotted some reverse-growth plants in hidden corners, as well as a snow-white, mouse-like rodent. They’d barely scraped by on these. But since coming here, she hadn’t seen a single such plant or rodent. Not even at the base had anyone mentioned their appearance.

What was the reason other cities lacked these things? Or was it that she just hadn’t discovered them yet?

The next day, Jiang Huan posted in the Building Six group, announcing an excursion: “Tomorrow I’ll be searching for usable vehicles and collecting supplies along the way. Recruiting four people—drivers, adults, those with some fighting skills preferred.”

A man named Lu Cai signed up immediately, followed by Wang Ping, someone called Old Zhang, and Wanwan, who mentioned she’d studied karate for two years.

But there were far more volunteers than that. Jiang Huan simply chose the first four in order, telling the rest they could join next time. “Once we find vehicles, more people will be able to join the outings.”

No one objected. Old Zhang requested to bring along a set of tools.

Jiang Huan glanced over—it looked like a lockpicking kit. The corners of her mouth twitched, but she said nothing and let him bring it.

The five of them headed downstairs. Jiang Xi accompanied them partway, seeing his sister to the door. Today, Wang Ping would be driving. Jiang Huan patted her brother’s head and promised to return soon. “If you’re hungry, eat at home or join Sister Liu Ling for a meal. If you’re tired, lock the door and rest. I’ll come back as early as I can.”

Jiang Xi nodded and watched his sister get into the delivery van and leave.

“Alright, time for homework and class,” he muttered to himself, heading toward Building Six.

Just then, a little girl appeared by his side, about fourteen or fifteen years old, brave enough to show her face in such cold weather. She had a small face, large eyes, and though her skin was wind-chapped, her features were delicate.

She greeted him playfully, “Hello, big brother!”

Jiang Xi stopped and replied seriously, “Hello.”

His earnest manner made the girl pause, but after glancing in a certain direction, she smiled again. “My name is Xue’er. What’s your name, big brother?”

“Jiang Xi.” He took a step back, appearing shy, which only made Xue’er more certain. “Oh, so Jiang Huan is your sister? She’s amazing!”

Jiang Xi smiled; he was always happy to hear praise for his sister.

Xue’er complimented Jiang Huan a few more times and, upon learning of Jiang Xi’s interest in machinery, steered the conversation to excavators, keeping the discussion going.

But Jiang Xi kept inching away, step by step, gradually approaching the entrance of Building Six.

A few people were standing at the entrance. Seeing Jiang Xi, they all raised a hand in greeting, and he responded to each in turn.

Naturally, Xue’er followed Jiang Xi, trying to go upstairs, but was stopped by the group. “Are you from Building Six? I don’t think we’ve seen you before.”

Xue’er froze, glancing at Jiang Xi.

But he was already heading for the stairs.

“Hey, wait—” Xue’er called out, “Aren’t we friends? Won’t you invite me up?”

The men around them exchanged knowing smiles.

Jiang Xi replied, puzzled, “We’re not friends.”

Xue’er was dumbfounded. What did he mean, not friends? “But we just had such a nice chat, and you said it’s great that I like machines.”

“Machines change lives. Quality is important. Liking them is great,” Jiang Xi replied as seriously as ever. “But I don’t like friends with bad breath.”

Xue’er’s face turned white in an instant, her lips trembling with shame and frustration before she turned and ran off.

Damn it, what an idiot! Her brother had made her try to cozy up to a fool, and now, with all those people downstairs watching, she’d humiliated herself!

Downtown.

Jiang Huan’s group entered the city, heading straight for their destination.

It was a luxury complex—pre-apocalypse, the price per square meter was thirty thousand, and the International Golden City boasted some of the highest greenery rates in town.

(End of this chapter)